As many of you have been waiting for patiently, Spring has finally arrived, bringing not only warmer weather and sunnier skies but also the fresh air of a new year. From my ethnic heritage, I can tell you that Spring is so important that for the last 2000-plus years it has been a holiday in Persia: “Nowruz,” meaning “The New Day,” is celebrated by Persians on the equinox each year (March 21). All around the world, and here in Chicago, Spring is a time that many people look forward to, eager of the coming year’s events.

The Committee also undertook another successful cable TV programming on the topic of affordable housing and tenants’ rights. The program aired throughout the month of March on the ISBA’s time-slot on CAN-TV. We had a strong list of panelists, including the Committee’s very own Beverly Yang, who talked about various issues involving tenants’ rights.

Spring, in addition to anticipation and hope, sometimes means change. We are sad to note that the Committee’s longtime ISBA staff liaison, Janet Sosin, will no longer be a part of our Committee. After countless years of faithful service to the ISBA, Janet is voluntarily stepping down from her position, which will give her some time to pursue other interests. We as a Committee are fully aware of all of the contributions that Janet has made to the various programs that we have organized. We wish Janet the very best- she will be missed.

The Committee looks forward to a new productive year. On a personal note, while I have had a wonderful time chairing the Committee, I look forward to ending the bar year strong and passing the torch to my distinguished and energetic colleagues Jameika Mangum as the new chair and Beverly Yang as the vice chair.

Best,

Daniel R. Saeedi ■